Case Study - Wey Navigations, England

Encouraging young and old to get outside and paddle the waterway.

The River Wey is a 140 kilometre tributary of the River Thames in south east England.

The River Wey Navigation (opened in 1653 making it one of the oldest waterways in Britain) and Godalming Navigation (1764) form a continuous waterway which provides a 32 kilometre navigable route from the River Thames between Weybridge via Guildford to Godalming.

This tranquil waterway running through the heart of Surrey, England, is divided into different sections, known as lengths, each with its own lock-keeper, who came to be known as lengthsmen.

Paddling provides an excellent opportunity to explore the variety of environments the waterway passes through (and keep fit at the same time!).

River Thames (Thames Lock)

Basingstoke Canal

Dapdune Wharf

Guildford Town Centre

Godalming Wharf

About the National Trust

The waterway has been owned and maintained by the National Trust since the 1964 for the benefit of river users, walkers and wildlife.

Their Lengthsmen look after the wildlife, plants and trees with the help of lots of fantastic volunteers who don’t mind getting muddy either.

Thier Maintenance Team take care of the historical infrastructure dealing with structural maintenance, navigation issues and engineering works to ensure the smooth running of our waterway.